Comparison
Treadmill vs rowing machine for a home gym
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In short
Choose a treadmill if you mainly want to walk or run indoors, would like incline, or plan to use it at a standing desk. Choose a rowing machine if you want a seated, full-body movement, do not have a socket nearby or need something that stores upright in a narrow space. Both need a clear floor area of a similar length when in use.
Products for this job
Compare all 7 productsUMAY treadmill: 15% auto incline, 12 km/h, 180 kg
Check price on AmazonAffiliate linkLONTEK 15% auto incline treadmill, full side rails
Check price on AmazonAffiliate linkYIMUYIMU: 12 km/h, 0/6/12% incline, under 40 dB
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link
Our verdict
Choose a treadmill if you want to walk or run indoors, use incline or walk at a standing desk. Choose a rowing machine if you prefer a seated movement, want no motor or need upright storage in a narrow room.
When you have room for one cardio machine at home, the treadmill and the rowing machine are two of the most common choices. They suit different people. A treadmill lets you walk or run on the spot and is familiar to almost everyone. A rower is a seated machine where you push with your legs and pull a handle, using air, water or magnetic resistance. This article compares them on the practical factors that decide whether a machine actually gets used: space, storage, power, noise, ease of use and upkeep. It makes no fitness promises; for that, speak to a qualified professional.
How they differ in use
On a treadmill you choose a speed and incline and the belt sets the pace. That makes it easy to settle into a walk while watching something, or to follow an app session. Walking pads strip this down to a flat belt for slower walking, while folding and running treadmills add handrails, faster speeds and powered incline.
On a rowing machine you set the pace yourself with each stroke. Technique matters more: the usual sequence is legs, then body, then arms, and back in reverse. Many people find it takes a few sessions to feel natural. Rowers are seated, so they are not a choice for working at a desk.
Space, storage and power compared
Both machines are long. A typical folding treadmill and a typical rower each need roughly two metres of length once you allow clear space behind and around them. The difference is storage: many rowers stand upright on their end, while treadmills fold up, fold flat or, in the case of walking pads, slide under furniture.
| Factor | Treadmill or walking pad | Rowing machine |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | Walking or running | Seated rowing stroke |
| Power | Mains socket for the motor | Air and water rowers need none; some magnetic ones use a battery or adaptor |
| Storage | Folds up or flat, or slides under furniture | Many stand upright on end |
| Noise | Motor hum and footfall | Air whoosh, water swish or quiet magnetic resistance |
| Desk use | Walking pads work at standing desks | Not suitable |
| Upkeep | Belt lubrication, tension, tracking | Chain or strap care, seat rail cleaning |
| Learning curve | Low | Higher, technique matters |
Noise and floors
A treadmill's biggest noise in a flat is usually footfall travelling into the floor, more so when running. A thick, dense mat helps, and walking pads at slow speeds are much less of an issue. See how to reduce treadmill noise in a flat.
Rowers have no impact, but air rowers produce a strong whoosh that rises with effort, and water rowers make a rhythmic swish. Magnetic rowers are generally the quietest. The seat rolling on the rail can transmit some sound, so a mat under the whole machine is still worthwhile.
Who each machine suits
A treadmill suits people who already walk or run outdoors and want to keep doing that indoors, people who want incline for hill walking at home, and anyone who wants to walk at a standing desk. For running, look at belt length, motor rating and top speed; our incline treadmill guide and folding treadmill guide cover those.
A rowing machine suits people who prefer a seated movement, want a machine with no motor, or have a narrow room where upright storage helps. If you are unsure, try both at a gym or a friend's home before you buy, and check the maximum user weight on any listing.
Maintenance and lifespan
Treadmills need regular belt care. The deck under the belt is lubricated with silicone on most home models, and the belt needs re-tensioning and re-centring from time to time. Our guides on how to lubricate a walking pad and how long a treadmill lasts explain the routine.
Rowers have fewer moving parts. The chain or strap needs occasional cleaning and, for chains, light oiling as the maker specifies. Water rowers need the tank treated as the manual says. Neither machine is maintenance free, but a rower is generally simpler.
Frequently asked questions
Should I buy a rowing machine or a treadmill? Buy the one you will use. If you enjoy walking or want to move at a standing desk, a treadmill is the better match. If you prefer a seated machine and want upright storage, a rower suits better.
Which takes up less space? In use, they are similar in length. In storage, an upright rower often takes the least floor space, while a walking pad can disappear under a sofa.
Which is quieter in a flat? A magnetic rower is usually the quietest. A walking pad at slow speed on a good mat is also manageable; running on a treadmill is the loudest for neighbours below.
Do rowing machines need electricity? Air and water rowers do not. Some magnetic rowers need a battery or a plug-in adaptor for the console or resistance control.
What you need
- Check price on AmazonAffiliate link
UMAY treadmill: 15% auto incline, 12 km/h, 180 kg
- Check price on AmazonAffiliate link
KALWOL 4-in-1: 10% incline, 40 dB or less, 160 kg